Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau in crucial second Group L encounter as Chelle’s side begins road to 2027 AFCON

By NewsNexus Sports Desk

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have opened their campaign for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a winning note, overcoming Madagascar 2–1 in their opening Group L encounter in Uyo.

The victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium gave Nigeria three valuable points as the Eric Chelle-led side began its quest for a place at the tournament scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.

Madagascar took an early lead through Clement Couturier, putting Nigeria under pressure before the Super Eagles responded before the interval. George Ilenikhena restored parity in first-half added time, while Moses Usor completed the comeback in the second half.

The result was particularly significant because Nigeria entered the match without star striker Victor Osimhen, who was unavailable through injury despite being named in Chelle’s squad.

The performance also provided an opportunity for some of the younger players in the squad to make an impact. Ilenikhena, one of the players receiving a first senior call-up for the qualifying campaign, announced his arrival on the international stage with Nigeria’s equalising goal.

NEXT STOP: BISSAU

Nigeria’s attention now turns to Guinea-Bissau, with the Super Eagles scheduled to face the Djurtus on September 29 at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau.

The encounter carries added importance because Guinea-Bissau also won its opening fixture, defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2–0 in Dar es Salaam.

Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau therefore entered the second matchday with three points, setting up an early contest between the two teams at the top of the group.

GROUP L BATTLE

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

The qualification picture in the group is unusual because Tanzania is one of the three countries hosting the 2027 AFCON and is therefore automatically qualified for the tournament.

This means Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively competing for the qualifying place available to a non-host team from the group.

With the opening round completed, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have three points each, while Madagascar and Tanzania have yet to record a point.

CHELLE BUILDS HIS SQUAD

Coach Eric Chelle assembled a 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers, combining established Super Eagles players with younger talents.

The squad includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Goalkeeping options include Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo, while the attacking department features Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor and Victor Osimhen.

Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena were among the players receiving their first senior Super Eagles call-ups for the qualifying campaign.

PREPARATION BEGAN IN AKWA IBOM

The Super Eagles opened camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau fixtures.

Players arrived in batches before the squad moved its match preparations to Uyo.

The training programme brought together experienced internationals and emerging players, with Chelle using the camp to assess his options ahead of the opening competitive fixtures.

The preparation followed a series of international matches designed to give the team competitive exposure ahead of the AFCON qualification campaign.

Nigeria recorded wins over Iran, Zimbabwe and Jamaica during their 2026 international programme, while also playing draws against Jordan and Poland.

The Super Eagles also faced Portugal in an international friendly as part of their broader preparation.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Following the Guinea-Bissau encounter, Nigeria will continue the qualification campaign during the November and March international windows.

Matchdays three and four are scheduled for November 2026, while the final two group matches are scheduled for March 2027.

The objective remains clear: secure the qualification place available to a non-host team in Group L and return to the continental championship.

For Chelle, the campaign also represents an opportunity to build a competitive Super Eagles side by blending established names with emerging talents.

The opening victory over Madagascar has provided Nigeria with a positive start. But with Guinea-Bissau also beginning with three points, the next encounter in Bissau could provide an early indication of how the qualification race will develop.

NEWSNEXUS ANALYSIS

The Super Eagles have made the start they needed, but the campaign is still in its early stages. The 2–1 victory over Madagascar provides three points and confidence, while the emergence of younger players such as Ilenikhena and Usor adds another dimension to Chelle’s squad.

The immediate challenge, however, is Guinea-Bissau. With both sides beginning on three points, Nigeria’s next fixture will be another important test of the team’s organisation, attacking options and ability to perform away from home.

The road to the 2027 AFCON has begun. For Nigeria, every point from here will count.